Resent-Date: Wed, 10 Jun 1998 21:35:58 -0700 (PDT)
Resent-From: seeds-list@eskimo.com
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I've had good results rooting a couple of different buddleias and though I'm lucky to be in mild climate Southern California, I'm sure that the method will work for others as well. Here's what I do...
1. Take a long cutting from a buddleia branch. Starting at the top of the branch (the growing tip), cut it up into as many segments as possible, making sure that there are at least two leaf nodes on each cutting. Leave as little branch as possible above the top leaf node (unless it is the tip of the branch, then just leave it as is), and below the bottom of the lower leaf node.
2. Gently pinch the leaves off of the lower leaf node.
3. If the remaining leaf pair is especially large (i.e. longer than about 2"), I cut off at least half of the length of the leaf. The remaining leaves look a little funny, but will be fine.
4. Take a strerilized 4" plastic pot (sterilize in a weak bleach solution and then let it dry thoroughly) and cover the drain holes with a coffee filter. Fill the pot with a mixture of 1:1:1 peat moss, vermiculite, perlite. You'll need to wet it as you mix it, but it needs to be as sterile as possible, so mix it just as you are about to use it. If it's not too wet, sit the pot (or pots) in a few inches of water for an hour or so to get them damp. If it's already wet, don't worry about it.
5. Using your finger (the best tool around!), poke 4 or 5 holes in the potting mix. Dip the bottom of the cutting in rooting hormone like Rootone, being sure that the powder coats the node where you removed the leaves. Place a cutting into each hole in the potting mix. Firm the mix around the cuttings.
6. Spread about 1/4" of granite grit (turkey or chicken grit) over the surface of the potting mix (this seems to help prevent fungal contamination). Cover the pot loosley with a plastic bag. The bag acts as a greenhouse/humidity chamber. I use the bags that my morning paper comes delivered in, but you might also try the transparent plastic bags that the grocers supply for vegetables. Put a layer of duct tape (or some other such tape) around the outside of the pot to keep the bag from blowing off, but be sure it is still a bit loose to allow a little air circulation.
7. Place the pot with its bag in a sheltered location where it is not completely shaded, but is definitely out of direct sun. I place mine on a shelf in my potting shed, the shed has a clear roof so its both a shed and a greenhouse.
8. When you see some new growth, poke some airholes in the plastic bag and gradually allow more and more air in over time. It's a bit of "hardening off."
I get about 50% success with this method, i.e. about 50% of the cuttings make it.
Viola! You've made new buddleia plants!
PS REMEMBER TO LABEL YOUR POTS!!! Include the name of the plant, and the date you made the cuttings....
Have fun!!!
Nan Nan Sterman, Master Composter in residency
San Diego County, California
Sunset zone 24, USDA zone 10b or 11